Anglicanism is described by some sources as "non-papal catholicism" and while much of our tradition comes from the Catholic faith there are significant protestant influences as well. Enough that the Anglican Church of Canada is in full communion with one of the first protestant religions, the Lutheran Church.
And while our vestments and sacraments would seem very familiar to those of the Roman Catholic faith there are some very critical differences, the most obvious of which is that we are unaffiliated with the Pope and unaffected by decisions made at the Vatican.
But the smaller differences are more readily felt by the average church goer. Confession is done en-masse, no booths, confessionals or individual sacraments. And with the Anglican faith, anyone ever baptized in ANY CHRISTIAN FAITH can take Communion, however I will caution you that the "blood of Christ" is actual wine and not the grape juice you might recall at Baptist/Calvinist services.
Also, the Communion (or Eucharist as we call it) is done at nearly every service. This takes a bit of getting used to, particularly if this is the least favourite part of services for you, but in time you may come, as I have, to feel as though something is missing when it doesn't occur.
Either way, there is no pressure to partake. We don't pass around large trays with expectations for a public expression of faith, indeed there are many reasons why even regular attendees don't rise, approach the altar and accept the Eucharist.
I never felt comfortable at Baptists and Calvinist churches, the Evangelical ferver always felt somewhat artificial for me and the rituals never seemed to have enough gravity to mean anything. I also wasn't comfortable with the guilt and righteousness of many of these religions, and had frankly come to conclusion that although I felt "spiritual", I wasn't "religious".
But the very first service at Trinity I attended resonated with me. The Prayers of the People required a refrain that I've come to associate with my faith and Anglicanism in general. At each line in the prayer we responded, "HAVE MERCY ON US".
Now I can't feel superior to anyone, certainly I don't trust anyone who considers themselves righteous, and I can't follow a faith where no matter how hard I try I'll never appear to measure up to the standards, but Mercy is one thing I believe we all need more of.
I've come to see worship (and the Eucharist) as a time when the soul is in communion with God, being fed and nourished before the body is re-exposed to the harsh realities of life.
But like all of us, I'm an imperfect being, struggling through an increasingly more difficult and harsh existence. One of many who can give mercy, and use some myself. That's what being an Anglican means to me.
Gary Davidson,
Trinity Port Credit webmaster
